People of all ages gathered at the Midland County Courthouse on Sunday evening, rallying for reproductive rights.
Some were there to support 8th congressional candidate Kristen McDonald-Rivet. She is currently a Democratic State Senator for Michigan’s 35th district.
Others were there to support the pro-choice movement in Midland.
The gathering comes on the 2nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
Since that day, Michigan voters approved Proposition 3 in 2022. This is a state constitutional amendment that enshrined abortion protection into Michigan’s constitution.
For those at the rally, the focus on reproductive rights has shifted to creating awareness on the national stage.
“The fact that Republicans nationwide have the idea of getting a national abortion ban, which would affect us here in spite of what we’ve done. So, that makes me very nervous,” Cassie Foley said in front of the courthouse.
“I'm afraid that we'll lose what we've already gained here because of what's happening in the other states,” Mike Curell said at the rally.
For MacKenzah Smith, her worry is even more expansive.
“I think it's every person that has a uterus issue. No situation in life is black and white. It's very, very gray. I know so many women who I love dearly who have made that decision. It’s like one of the most just painful thing they’ve ever had to do"
For these same voters, the next step in the pro-choice movement comes as election season looms near.
Many said that the primary elections in August and the general election in November are what's next on the docket.
“I'll be knocking on doors. You might be getting a postcard from me or a phone call or all three because I'll be busy for 20 days at least,” Janice Dunn said.
By contrast, Right to Life of Michigan celebrated the anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. President Amber Roseboom told Michigan Public that “special interests” are being used to politicize the issue for Democratic electoral gains.
Primary elections for offices across the state will be on August 6.
